The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced last month it will be investing up to $50 million in fiscal year 2024 through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). WREP allows eligible conservation partners to work with local agriculture producers to protect, restore and enhance high-priority wetlands on agricultural lands.
Until August 16, 2024, NRCS will accept proposals for WREP that enables effective integration of wetland restoration on working agricultural landscapes, provide meaningful benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program and to the communities where the wetlands exist.
WREP is part of the?Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through WREP states, local units of government, non-governmental organizations, and Tribal Nations collaborate with NRCS through cooperative and partnership agreements.
Wetland easements protect habitats for wildlife and are also excellent “carbon sinks” that offer much needed buffers from flood waters while providing resiliency to productive agricultural lands. Restoring wetland ecosystems helps filter sediments and chemicals to improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife and aquatic habitat, reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater and offers recreational benefits.
Partners can apply through their NRCS state office.